Sanbonfusa Shimenawa - Sacred Rope with Three Tassels 70 cm
Sanbonfusa Shimenawa - Sacred Rope with Three Tassels 70 cm
Couldn't load pickup availability
This 70cm Sanbonfusa Shimenawa is a traditional Japanese sacred rope (shimenawa) handcrafted from rice straw, featuring three downward tassels (fusa). Its presence marks a boundary between the physical and the sacred – a space purified and protected.
In Shinto belief, shimenawa ropes are used to ward off negative energy and to invite the presence of the divine. The three tassels are often interpreted as a symbol of harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity, or as an embodiment of protective forces guarding the threshold.
Each piece is handmade in Miyazaki Prefecture by artisans who continue the centuries-old tradition of working with natural straw grown in terraced rice fields. The rope is twisted entirely by hand using the nawanai technique, giving the piece its characteristic strength and elegance.
Hung above doorways, in entryways, or in spaces of quiet reflection, the Sanbonfusa Shimenawa becomes more than a decorative element – it brings a sense of clarity, intention, and connection to Japanese spiritual heritage.
Length: 70cm
Material: Rice straw, washi paper
Warazaiku – Japanese Straw Craft
Where it comes from
Warazaiku, the art of weaving straw by hand, has been practiced in Japan for centuries. Deeply rooted in Shinto tradition, straw ropes and amulets have long served as symbols of purity, protection, and connection to the divine.
Still today, they are found at shrines, sacred trees, and entrances to homes—marking boundaries between the spiritual and the everyday.
Manufacturing
In the remote mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture, where rice is cultivated in steep terraced fields, a small number of craftsmen continue this tradition.
They grow their own straw, harvest it by hand, and weave each form slowly and deliberately—shapes that carry quiet wishes: cranes and turtles for longevity, sacred knots for harmony, ropes to mark sacred space.
These are not decorative objects. They are fragments of living culture—handmade with reverence, to accompany daily life with subtle meaning.
Care Instructions
Warazaiku is made from natural rice straw and is intended for indoor use.
Hang or place your piece in a clean, dry space - entryways, walls, altars, or shelves. Avoid humid environments like bathrooms or unventilated kitchens.
Gently remove dust with a soft brush or dry cloth. Do not use water or cleaning agents, as moisture may cause mold.
Over time, the straw will gradually shift in tone from green-gold to a soft beige. This natural patina is part of its quiet beauty.
Please note: These items are handmade from living material. Minor variations in color, texture, or form are signs of their authenticity.
